This specification covers nuclear-grade, sinterable uranium dioxide (UO₂) powder and applies to uranium dioxide powder containing uranium of any ²³⁵U concentration in the production of nuclear fuel pellets for use in nuclear reactors. This specification refers expressly to calcined UO₂ powder before the addition of any die lubricant, binder, or pore former, and defines isotopic limits for commercial grade UO₂ so that, regarding fuel design and manufacture, the product is essentially equivalent to that made from unreprocessed uranium and. Provisions for preventing criticality accidents or requirements for health and safety are not included in this specification. The powder shall conform to the specified chemical requirements including uranium content, oxygen-to-uranium ratio, impurity content (such as aluminum, carbon, calcium and magnesium, chlorine, fluorine, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, tantalum, thorium, tin, titanium, tungsten, vanadium, and zinc), moisture content, isotopic content, equivalent boron content, and cleanliness and workmanship. The powder shall also meet the specified physical requirements including particle size, bulk density, and sinterability. Sampling requirements for the test specimen and the test methods for chemical analysis and acceptance testing are detailed.

1.1 This specification covers nuclear-grade, sinterable uranium dioxide powder. It applies to uranium dioxide powder containing uranium of any ²³⁵U concentration in the production of nuclear fuel pellets for use in nuclear reactors.

1.2 This specification recognizes the presence of reprocessed uranium in the fuel cycle and consequently defines isotopic limits for commercial grade UO2. Such commercial grade UO2 is defined so that, regarding fuel design and manufacture, the product is essentially equivalent to that made from unreprocessed uranium. UO2 falling outside these limits cannot necessarily be regarded as equivalent and may thus need special provisions at the fuel fabrication plant or in the fuel design.

1.3 This specification does not include provisions for preventing criticality accidents or requirements for health and safety. Observance of this specification does not relieve the user of the obligation to be aware of and conform to all international, national, or federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to possessing, shipping, processing, or using source or special nuclear material.

1.4 This specification refers expressly to calcined UO₂ powder before the addition of any die lubricant, binder, or pore former. If powder is sold with such additions or prepared as press feed, sampling procedures, allowable impurity contents, or powder physical requirements may need to be modified by agreement between the buyer and the seller.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory requirements prior to use.